New Producer Loan

Photo courtesy Wild Kid Farm

Photo courtesy Wild Kid Farm

Application Requirements

The New Producer Loan program was launched in 2021 to support new farmers and food producers who need funding for infrastructure on new property or equipment for launching a value added food business.

New Producer Loans range from $5,000 to $20,000 at 3% amortized interest, and are available to businesses with less than 2 years of operating history. The loan term ranges between 24-60 months, with the option to defer payments for up to a year.

New Producer Loans are exclusively for farm and food-related businesses registered and located in Vermont that either produce or source ingredients for their value added food processing from local farms/producers (Vermont plus 30 miles).

Examples of a New Producer Loan include:

  • Infrastructure improvements to convert an existing farm to new crops or products

  • Purchase of food processing equipment

  • Launching a website to promote a new CSA

Applicants are required to supply a written business plan prepared with outside support from a technical assistance provider that includes at least two years of financial projections. Local TA providers that can provide no-cost support include: Center for an Agricultural Economy, Farm Viability, Center for Women & Enterprise, Land for Good, UVM Extension, CVOEO, and the Vermont Small Business Development Center. The VFF can help you connect with a business advisor if you are not working with one already. Typically the business planning process can take between 5-15 hours of time working with a business advisor, sometimes more depending on complexity.

Once we receive your application and business plan, loan requests are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days, with most loan funds being granted to approved recipients within 14 business days.